This House resolution formally recognizes President Donald J. Trump for various policies and actions that the West Virginia House of Delegates claims have benefited the state. The document highlights specific initiatives including regulatory reforms in the energy sector, tax relief measures, funding for rural healthcare, and programs aimed at reducing prescription drug costs and establishing investment accounts for newborns. It also cites border security improvements and drug control efforts as contributing factors to public safety and economic well-being. The resolution expresses appreciation for these actions and requests that the formal recognition be sent to the President.
This bill asks the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to study whether energy recovery and micro-hydropower technologies could be used in West Virginia's public water systems. The study would examine specific locations like pressure valves and discharge points where excess water energy is currently wasted, and evaluate technologies that could generate electricity without major construction or environmental harm. The committee would also analyze potential cost savings, review available funding sources, and consider regulatory requirements for such installations. If the study finds these technologies feasible, the committee would provide recommendations to the Legislature by December 1, 2026, to help reduce water system operating costs and potentially lower water rates for residents.
This bill proposes a constitutional amendment to increase the homestead property tax exemption in West Virginia from $20,000 to $50,000. It directly affects homeowners and mobile home owners who are at least 65 years old or permanently disabled, as well as younger homeowners who would receive a phased-in exemption starting at a lower value. The amendment would allow the state legislature to set specific rules for how the exemption applies, including a five-year phase-in period for properties appraised before the law takes effect. Additionally, the bill grants the legislature authority to provide property tax relief to tenants of residential or farm property. The measure requires approval by voters at the 2026 general election to become part of the state constitution.
This bill reduces the severance tax rate on metallurgical coal produced in West Virginia, affecting coal mining companies that extract this type of coal. The new rates will take effect in stages starting July 1, 2026, lowering the tax from 5% to 4.5% for the first year, then to 4% the following year, and finally to 3.5% beginning July 1, 2028. Metallurgical coal is defined as coal used for making steel and other metals, distinct from thermal coal used for electricity generation. The tax reduction applies to the gross value of coal produced and includes additional local taxes that are normally part of the total severance tax.
This bill directs the West Virginia Legislature to move approximately $4.5 million in unspent funds from the Department of Tourism's 2021 budget into the state's general surplus account, where the money becomes available for future use. The legislation then allocates that same amount to the Department of Tourism's Division of Culture and History for the 2026 fiscal year, specifically for capital projects and maintenance needs. The bill affects the state's budget management by reassigning leftover money from one tourism-related fund to another within the same department, ensuring the funds remain available for approved government spending.
This bill directs the West Virginia General Assembly to transfer $4,025,000 from the state's unappropriated surplus funds to the Adjutant General's budget for fiscal year 2026. The money is specifically designated for the Armory Board Transfer, which supports the state militia's operations and facility management. This supplemental appropriation increases the existing budget allocation for the Adjutant General's office without creating new spending categories. The legislation takes effect immediately upon passage and uses general revenue funds already available in the state treasury.
This bill provides additional funding from the State Road Fund to the West Virginia Department of Transportation's Division of Highways for the 2026 fiscal year. It authorizes the use of unappropriated money already available in the state treasury to supplement existing budget allocations for road maintenance and construction projects. The legislation does not create new spending categories but rather increases the amount of money designated for the department's current operational fund. Once passed, the additional funds become available for the department to allocate toward its approved highway and infrastructure initiatives during the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026.
This bill directs the West Virginia Legislature to allocate surplus state funds to the Department of Homeland Security for fiscal year 2026. The appropriation specifically supports the Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation within the department, funding information technology services and special services for correctional units. The legislation uses existing unappropriated surplus money from the State Fund's General Revenue rather than creating new revenue sources. This action increases the available budget for these specific correctional facility operations during the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026.
This Senate Concurrent Resolution requests the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to study how state and local funds are spent by county school boards under the Public School Support Program. The study will examine spending patterns, enrollment changes, and staffing costs to determine if a new School Finance Transparency Commission is needed to improve financial reporting and public understanding of education funding. The committee must submit its findings and recommendations to state leaders by December 31, 2026, with any proposed legislation to be reported to the 2027 legislative session. This measure does not change current funding laws but instead initiates a review process to inform potential future policy adjustments.
This bill clarifies procedures for local government bodies in West Virginia to conduct late meetings and file late reports when necessary. It also revises how reduced property tax levy rates are calculated when property appraisals result in a projected tax increase of one percent or more. The law requires these bodies to automatically reduce their levy rates proportionately to offset assessment increases, unless they hold a public hearing and demonstrate that the increase is necessary. Under the new rules, local governments can raise rates above the reduced level only if total tax revenues do not exceed the previous year's amount by more than ten percent, with specific notice requirements for public hearings. The bill directly affects county commissions and municipalities by standardizing how they handle property tax adjustments and public notification processes.
